Chasing Brooklyn by Lisa Schroeder

Chasing Brooklyn
Lisa Schroeder
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Released: January 5, 2010
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 432
Source: 1 ARC Tours

Restless souls and empty hearts.

Brooklyn can’t sleep. Her boyfriend, Lucca died a year ago, and now their friend Gabe has died of an overdose. Every time she closes her eyes, Gabe's ghost is there, waiting for her. She has no idea what he wants or why it isn't Lucca chasing her through her dreams.

Nico can’t stop. He’s always running, trying so hard not to feel the pain of missing Lucca. But when he begins receiving messages from his dead brother, telling him to help Brooklyn, emotions come crashing to the surface.

As the nightmares escalate and the messages become relentless, Nico reaches out to Brooklyn. But neither of them can admit that they're being haunted. Until they learn to let each other in, not one soul will be able to rest.

I am ashamed to say that I knew nothing of Lisa Schroeder before hearing about Chasing Brooklyn through 1 ARC Tours. However, when she told me she enjoyed my review of If I Stay via Twitter, I was more than flattered, and incredibly humbled, by her compliment. I was already excited just from reading the synopsis, but when I saw what an amazing job Lisa does talking to readers and bloggers, I couldn't wait to read one of her works. When I finally received Brooklyn for review I was blown away. This may be my only experience with her so far, but Lisa could start writing for Kellogg's boxes and I'll read them.

First I must tell you that this book is written in verse. But do not let that deter you because this book is just so, so beautiful. I did not want it to end, which I feel is one of the best compliments I can give an author and her book. The connections made in a novel with such few words is simply chilling. If I try to think of other novels that have gotten such an emotional reaction from me, few come to mind. In fact, this was one of my favorite reads this year that I've been recommending to people left and right. The fact that it is written in verse only makes its impact on me more impressive.

Chasing Brooklyn is told from both Brooklyn and Nico's points of view. I happen to love dual narratives; however, I know some don't and I can see why. Not every writer is able to create two or more distinct voices that readers will relate to. Lisa does an amazing job of developing both perspectives, and the parallels that occur between the two voices is genius. I loved both Brooklyn and Nico, and I felt all of the pain, anger, loss, confusion, and love they felt as I was reading their story.

Lisa's latest novel is, in a word, stunning. I simply cannot stop thinking about it or recommending it to anyone who will listen.

To experience the beauty of Chasing Brooklyn for yourself, copies are available at Cavalier House Books. If you'd like to support your own local booksellers, search IndieBound for a store near you.